https://www.svt.se/nyheter/sapmi/domstolen-ska-inte-ens-kunna-prova-den-har-ansokanThere is also a video embedded on the site with Martin Phillips speaking.
"Published today 23:16
On Wednesday, they concluded the nearly month-long main proceedings in the Land and Environment Court.
Talma Samiby's lawyer Camilla Wikland is hopeful about the court's decision.
- There are such serious flaws that the court cannot even examine this application, she says.
The mining company Talga wants to get an environmental permit to mine 100,000 tons of graphite ore per year for 25 years in Vittangi. It is graphite that can be used for electric car batteries - and once again the so-called green transition is thus opposed to reindeer husbandry.
"Reindeer herding companies would cease"
Should the mining plan become a reality, it would be a heavy blow to the Talma Sami village. Reindeer management companies would cease to exist, says the Sami village's lawyer Camilla Wikland.
But the great concern for the Sami village is not only what has just now been tried in the Land and Environment Court. In the courtroom, Wikland has focused on all the plans the mining company has in addition to what is being discussed now. The mining company has already received criticism in the past for applying for an environmental permit for a small part at a time - in order to, they hope, get permits more easily.
- They have not taken into account the future mining establishments that are already planned in what the company calls the Vittangi project. We believe that to be against EU directives. There are such serious flaws that the court cannot even examine this application, says Camilla Wikland.
The mining company: "A good dialogue"
She is satisfied with what they have brought forward in the courtroom and now she hopes for a positive decision for the Sami village from the court.
- It has been many and long weeks. But I think we got our message across very well, she says.
The mining company's CEO Martin Phillips is also satisfied.
- It has been a good dialogue and now it is no longer up to us. It is up to the court to look at all the facts and make a decision in April, he says.
When you started the process, did you think about indigenous rights?
- We have worked with the Sami village since 2012 when we started drilling. The indigenous people have the right to herd reindeer and to use the land so we must respect that. An important part of how we try to work with the project is to plan the work around how they work.
He continues:
- We are trying to understand how reindeer husbandry works and it is very important for us to have a dialogue."
(20min delay)